Inanna, an ancient Sumerian goddess known as “Queen of Heaven
and Earth,” is an intriguing mythological figure associated
with the city of Uruk, located in present-day Iraq. The
stories of Inanna have received increased study in recent decades as
more sources have been discovered and translated. Among
these, the tale of Inanna’s descent into the Underworld is
one of the most renowned.

As she descends, Inanna gives up her godly protections one by one until
she stands naked before her sister, Erishkigal, the Queen of the
Underworld. Without warning, Erishkigal strikes Inanna dead
and hangs her from a hook on the wall. Moved by the pleading
of Inanna’s assistant Ninshubur, the god Enki eventually
sends two creatures the size of flies into the Underworld to convince
Erishkigal to allow Inanna to return to life.

This piece is dedicated to violinist Maja Cerar, for whom it was
written.

If you would like to know more about the methods used to compose this
piece, please email Doug Geers.